Living in Beta: Sparking Curiosity attracted more than 50 delegates, including some of the most dynamic business leaders and thinkers from across the TED community
In July 2019, Capita led a unique 90-minute, interactive workshop at the TEDSummit in Edinburgh. Living in Beta: Sparking Curiosity attracted more than 50 delegates, including some of the most dynamic business leaders and thinkers from across the TED community. Capita’s Chief Growth Officer, Ismail Amla, co-hosted the workshop with Andy Hagerman, CEO at The Design Gym.
Living in Beta is a simple concept: we must be prepared to disrupt the way we think to keep pace with constant change. Simultaneously, we need to be open to adaptation through un-learning what we have learned in the past and preparing to re-learn in the future. The workshop was designed to facilitate new ways of thinking and challenge traditional techniques of learning.
During the session delegates were asked to pinpoint moments of learning, un-learning and re-learning from their past experiences. Using examples from work and family life, people touched on their personal triumphs, including breakdowns, breakups, mental health problems, illness and even reconsidering their core beliefs as a result of a profound life event.
Further analysis found that redefining an existing thought process can be a serious challenge, particularly when we are used to doing things in a specific way. However, curiosity, listening and questioning were still seen as essential and all participants agreed that learning, un-learning and re-learning were possible with the right frame of mind and commitment.
More than 40% said that their most pivotal learning moments happened between the ages of 20 and 25, and for at least half of respondents, becoming more self-aware was a key contributing factor. Meanwhile, 60% of respondents thought that un-learning was more likely to happen between the ages of 20 and 40, as your career advances and you begin to question what you were originally taught. While work was the leading situation in which people found themselves re-learning. Family and personal situations were also considered important areas that would require re-learning. Traditionally we have considered school and college as the peak time in our life for education. But only a minority of respondents believed that the majority of key learning moments happened before the age of 20, suggesting that other types of education are now eclipsing formal studies.
Crucially, the group observed that un-learning and re-learning can be uncomfortable and scary, but that this fear can actually lead to greater progress. Self-confidence and belief, supported by coaching and mentoring, were also seen as important enablers for overcoming potential barriers. Accepting that perfectionism isn’t possible and that mistakes will be made was felt to be an important lesson for all delegates.